One year after taking the program to its greatest season ever, Madison College head softball coach Leo Kalinowski is looking to build a consistent presence on the national stage. The WolfPack set a school record with 52 wins and claimed the program's first-ever Region IV title and NJCAA Division II National Tournament appearance - where they finished sixth overall - in 2018, and now have their sights on maintaining that level of competitiveness and success. To do that, the ninth-year head coach and his staff will rely on the return of some key position players and look to develop a new crop of top-tier pitchers.

Sophomore shortstop Hannah Grahl leads a group of nine returning second-year players. The first team all-conference and all-region selection, as well as Region IV District B All-Tournament honoree, led the 'Pack with 47 runs batted in, was sixth in batting average at .371, and scored 40 runs to rank fourth on the team. Joining her in the lineup with be first team all-region pick Dany Gumz, who posted a team-best .462 average and was second with 40 RBI and five home runs. Slap hitters Paige Cornelissen and Maegan Brookins combined for 79 hits, 71 runs scored, and 45 stolen bases during their freshman campaigns. Also back are catchers Maddie Krafcheck and Nicole Ferch, and first baseman Kylie Endres, who all have the ability to provide some pop with their bats.

"The returnees bring a wealth of experience and leadership after going to the national tournament. They have done an outstanding job with this year's incoming recruits to set a positive example and getting them acclimated to the rigors of college softball," boasts Kalinowski, the all-time wins leader in Madison College softball history.

Key to the crop of newcomers will be finding capable arms. The WolfPack lost 98% of their innings pitched from last year, including the program's first NJCAA All-American when Alli Walker accepted a scholarship offer from NCAA Division I Michigan State University. Jordan Martin and Maddie Fink will likely get a bulk of the workload, with Cathryn Hiller, Brianna Farrington, and Gumz rounding out the likely pitching staff. Other fresh faces likely to make a significant impact are catchers/infielders Paige Hintz and Morgan Dercola, both of whom were conference players of the year in high school, along with infielder Montana Platts, and outfielder Irene Tomasovic

"This years class of new players have filled a number of holes created by graduation. Jordan Martin will be called upon to replace Alli Walker in our number 1 spot."

Madison College was ranked #9 in the NJCAA Division II Preseason Poll and opened their season with the N4C Dome Jamboree, where they posted a 4-2 record overall and a 3-2 mark in conference games. The 'Pack will remain of the league favorites after losing out on their first North Central Community College Conference championship due to a tiebreaker after matching five-time Division III national champion Rock Valley College with a 16-2 record. The WolfPack will open the annual Florida Spring Trip on Friday, March 15 with a pair of games in Kissimmee, Florida. The trip will feature 14 games over eight days, before the team returns to the Midwest for four straight road doubleheaders, including their first twin bill in N4C play against the College of DuPage on April 11. The home opener at Robert D. Goodman Field on Saturday, April 13 against Sauk Valley Community College. Other important dates on the schedule include hosting #9 Triton College on April 16, immediately followed by a trip to #1 Rock Valley College on April 18, and welcoming in #9 Joliet Junior College for two games on April 23.

"We look to compete for another bid to the national tournament. The mix of a talented freshmen class and returnees give us a good chance. it won't be easy because of many strong teams within the region and new playoff format, but should be in the mix."

Follow WolfPack softball: Facebook | Twitter | GameChanger